From the White House to the Amish

by Katrina Hoover Lee

Will God keep his end of the deal?

When they graduate in 1952, Thomas Kirkman and his high school classmates make daring predictions about their future, including a trip to the moon. Though Tom never makes it to the moon, his journey through life takes him to places just as unique.

But not even the prestige of working in the Eisenhower White House and the CIA can take away Tom's disillusionment and despair when he loses the most important person in his life. Convinced that God has turned his back, Tom buries himself in his work and turns his back on God. Or does God even exist?

Then an unexpected voice and an unpretentious Amish man change Tom Kirkman’s life.

This biographical fiction echoes the true story of Thomas E. Kirkman, White House artist, CIA spy, engine designer, and Amish man.

Genres: Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2020

About the author

Author of Christian fiction and nonfiction, encouraging fellow believers on the race.

In-progress middle grade fiction adventure series with fruit of the Spirit themes.

Reviews

[Gideon Yutzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Hoover-Lee brings the main character (Tom Kirkman) to life in a way that feels as though you know him well by the end. The genius of the book is how well she makes connections and also how she writes in a manner that is fresh and creative enough for adults to appreciate and simple enough for children to access. (Not saying children can't appreciate a fun turn of phrase--my 7 year old certainly can. But then...I like to think she's exceptional:) Definitely worth your money!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Remarkable Man

Tom Kirkman had many fascinating life experiences. He was born into a Baptist family but didn't accept the Lord has his savior until later in life. He joined the army and got a job working in the White House. He also worked for the CIA. One day he met an Amish man who brought him to the Lord. He joined the Amish church. That didn't stop him from continuing doing incredible things such as designing an engine. It was amazing how different his life experiences were.

[Alison Peachey]

One word comes to mind after reading this book: fascinating! (And after reading other reviews on it, I think I’m not the only one ;) This book drew me in more than I expected, enough that I stayed up too late to finish it. 😉

[Harold Cheetham · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story of a man who did many things in his life for the good of many.

[Rhoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, fast, and easy read. The title captured my attention when I was in the middle of Amish country last week. This is historical fiction but very, very closed based on the life of Tom Kirkman. The fiction seems mainly dialogue to move the story.

The writing is very basic which makes for a quick read. I'm sure my sister and several other reading friends would finish within a day. I'm a bit slower.

[Josh]

Very interesting, inspiring, and well-researched story!

[Kim Wold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book because I grew up very close to Amish country in PA. And I read, I enjoyed but found it a little far fetched and with a good deal of religious undertones. I knew that the author’s book tended to write Christian books but a little surprised at some of the stories. However there was a lot of history I enjoyed. Much to my surprise - at the end of the book I discovered the book was based on a real person and much of the stories were in fact true! It changed my entire perspective of the book. I found it not only interesting but educational as well.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is well-written, and kept my attention from the beginning to the end. Tom Kirkman had an incredibly adventureous life, and unique opportunities to know two US Presidents in a way that few people could. He was bitter against God for not saving his mother's life, however—what happened to change him? I could hardly believe what God used to bring Tom to Himself! This book is a great example of biographical fiction, and well worth reading.

[Judy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read filled with some facts

Wow! Thus was well written and filled with so much intriguing information. The family story was great and the biography pieces added in made it what I would say an outstanding read. My love for reading has lately led to an interest in history. I live learning history through novels or books like this one. I've also always enjoyed Amish stories so thank you for a well written book.

[Faith Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katrina Hoover-Lee did an amazing work on this. She’s obviously done much research, and combined it with humor and warmth to create a captivating read.
We capture glimpses of a world few of us have seen, and of a time we can only imagine. With Hoover-Lee’s vivid word pictures, these people and places become alive.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of this book.
An excellent read for everyone, young reader to adult.
I enjoy a book that draws you into the story, this one did that for me. Katrina Hoover Lee did an amazing job of detailing the life of the main character (Thomas Kirkman) from a young boy to the time he went to meet his Lord.
Would definitely recommend this book.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing Biography of God's grace

The title of the book really grabbed me but it was the author's writing style that kept me reading late at night. Tom's life story and journey to Christ are unique and at times unbelievable. Jesus truly cares for each of us. Thank you for sharing this story.

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biographical fiction story is so well written and very much an attention grabber.
Tom Kirkman’s story held me captive from beginning to end.
He led such an intriguing life. Excitement, hardship, and lots of questions.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story about a life of redemption.

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very different than any other book I have ever read. Although factionalized it was also a history lesson. I was born 8 years after Thomas so I didn’t go through the depression, but most of the rest of the historical events I do remember. It was very interesting. And I am a fan of Amish literature so the title drew me in.

[Peggy Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book.

I enjoyed reading this book. I was raised during Ike's time as president. It was a peaceful time in history. The book detailed things that happened that were interesting to me. I didn't know that you could become Amish if you were not born Amish. The lifestyle is very interesting to me. Tom was a very gifted man.

[Philisha Paragi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded the audio book because it was about a man from southern Indiana (where I was born and raised). It was fun to listen and know exactly the places the narrator was describing. But imagine my surprise when the narrator talked about going to the Orange County Jail and meeting sheriff Farrell Fields - that’s my great uncle!!!

[Rebecca Shirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is certainly an absorbing and fascinating read! The author did very well at keeping the flow of the story natural while including as many historically accurate details as possible. I enjoy historical fiction and this one didn't disappoint! The whole family enjoyed what I read aloud😊

[Carlton Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to receive an advanced reader copy and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's definitely worth buying. I don't typically choose books on history to read, but Katrina's writing makes you feel involved. She did a great job with research and vivid detail.

[Regina Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed From the White House to The Amish by Katrina Lee Hoover. I like reading stories like this. The way Katrina wrote Tom's story had me wishing he was still alive because I would have loved to have met him.

[Denise Damron · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Interesting Story

Tom Kirkman definitely lived an interesting life. His struggles, talent, integrity, and final years wring laughter and tears. Enlightening and inspirational, I recommend this book.

[Margaret A Register · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

This book is written in a very simple style. The editing is well done and the story moves along nicely. The content is fascinating, A good read, well-worth the time.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book. I really like that it's based on a real person's life. Lee does a great job of filling in the gaps and making the book flow smoothly and believably. I recommend this if you enjoy biographical fiction, or are interested in Eisenhower's White House years. I had a hard time putting it down.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be a fascinating book about an intriguing man and family. Tom had achieved such a lot in his lifetime.
The writing was incredibly immature and read like a recount that one of my year 5 students would write.

[Calvin Zook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super solid book of how God does still speak to people today, and he is able to change your life, no matter what you have been through, if you commityour life too Him. Kinda disappointed at how much of it was fiction.

[Nancy Brubaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. An interesting historic read that kept me turning the pages until the end. Definitely worth purchasing!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It is well researched and well written.

[Judith Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Katrina did not disappoint! This book is captivating with lots of realistic conversation.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and inspiring! Very interesting story.

[Kerra Troyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Superb story telling combined with a powerful and true story of God changing a man’s heart.

[Stennett Eberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, well-written book of biographical fiction about a life with many disappointments, but many successes too!